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06 November, 2012

Romantic Maidens Book Tour: Romance In The Rain Top 10 + Giveaway

I'm happy to host the Rainy Day Writers at Read My Mind today! This group of writers, with Marianne Stillings at the head, make up the anthology ROMANCE IN THE RAIN. The collection of novellas uniquely follows members of the Caldwell family through time, starting in 1853 all the way to 2014 and have Seattle as the setting.

Please welcome Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw and Kristine Cayne as each one spotlights Washington State and the northwest with their Top Ten List!

Rainy Day Writers:Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers. There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.Website

Charlotte Russell’s Top 10 Favorite Spots in the Northwest:1. Deception Pass, near Whidbey Island, WA—an absolutely gorgeous spot, whether you view it from the water, the bridge spanning the pass, or from the top of Mt. Erie.2. Westport, WA—beaches in the Pacific Northwest are… well, they aren’t what you truly think of when the word “beach” comes to mind. Sometimes a heavy coat is required on northwest beaches. Nonetheless, this is a pretty spot with a lighthouse that’s fun to visit and a cute little town with a fabulous donut shop.3. Seaside/Cannon Beach, OR—more beaches, but these two along the northern Oregon coast are a little less rocky and windy and if you can just manage to get the one hot day of the year, it’s bliss! Seaside is more family-oriented, but they are both lovely.4. Crater Lake, OR—you’ve not seen such a blue, blue lake until you’ve seen Crater Lake. The blueness comes from its immense depth and to top it off, you have to hike a long way down just to get to the shore.5. Mt. Rainier, WA—I refer to the mountain as His Majesty. On a clear day I can see this imposing, snow-covered mountain from just down the street. Stunning. Never mind that it’s a volcano that hasn’t blown in hundreds of years and is due, or that I would have to evacuate my house if it did.  It’s also beautiful close up; I’ve visited six or seven times.6. Mt. St. Helens, WA—another volcano. This one did blow, if you’ll recall. Parts of the mountain and surrounding area have recovered, but it’s truly incredible to view the devastation that is still visible.7. Alki Beach, West Seattle—the first white settlers landed here. They didn’t stay, though, because the water wasn’t deep enough for ships to anchor. Instead they moved just across the sound to present-day downtown. Alki is a fun and funky beach suburb to hang out at for a day.8. San Juan Islands, WA—These islands are quiet and peaceful places to relax and unwind, within a short drive from Seattle. And you get to take the ferry, always an adventure. I recommend Orcas Island particularly.9. Olympic National Park, WA—I haven’t been there for a while, but the forests of the Olympic Mountains are just amazing (complete with the biggest banana slugs you’ve ever seen. True fact: I would keep a slug as a pet if I could!). 10. Coeur d’Alene Lake, ID—some nitpicky people might not consider Idaho a part of the Pacific Northwest, but I’m going to make the stretch. This lake is large, beautiful and unique, with different topography on either side of it. It makes for a great vacation spot.

Sherri Shaw’s Top 10 Favorite Pacific Northwest Spots:1. Alki Beach, West Seattle, WA: The Alki beach strip runs from Alki Point to Duwamish. With stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the 2.5 mile long trail is ideal for biking, walking, or taking a casual stroll.2. The Staircase, Hoodsport, WA: When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, my extended family used to go camping at the Staircase. Located in the Olympic National Forest, it offers an easy climb up a winding trail to the “staircase,” a series of tiered waterfalls with fresh spring water straight from the mountains. 3. Hurricane Ridge, Pt. Angeles, WA: Another favorite family outing site is Hurricane Ridge. It is an easily accessible mountain area within Olympic National Park. With stunning mountain views, abundant wildflowers, and wildlife, it is an amateur photographer’s dream.4. Pike’s Street Market, Seattle, WA: A fixture of Seattle, the current site for the Market was founded in the 1907. I love to visit the market, not only to buy fresh produce, but to people watch. I decided to use the Market as the location for Ivy’s restaurant in What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? because of its full sensory explosion of sight, sound, and smell. 5. Lake Crescent, WA: My sister lives in Forks, so I go around the lake when I visit her. Lake Crescent has the bluest water that is especially dazzling in the sunshine. Located on scenic Highway 101, it is hard to keep your eyes on the road when faced with such stunning beauty.6. Wild Horses Monument, Columbia River Gorge, WA: When most people think of the Pacific Northwest, they think lush mountains and deep lakes, but there is another side of Washington that is just as stunning. Located on the top of a steep hill overlooking the mighty Columbia is the Wild Horses Monument. I know it’s steep, because my niece made me climb to the very top to observe the sculptures up close and personal. They are life-sized welded steel plate statues made by Spokane artist David Govedare for the State's Centennial Celebration.7. 50,000 Silver Dollars, Haugan, Mt: Located just over the Idaho border in Montana, the 50,000 Silver Dollars is an iconic tourist stop. Embedded in the long, wooden bar are over –you guessed it—50,000 silver dollars, some dating back to the 1800’s. The reason it made my list, is every time I travel to Montana, whomever I’m with always wants to stop there. Both kids, and adults, all seem to enjoy the novelty gifts displayed in abundance.8. Grand Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, WA: A monumental project that sparked controversy in the 1920’s, the dam is an impressive site. The visitor center offers free movies that tell about the dam, as well as interactive models showing how it works. You can’t go to the dam without seeing the “dam” show. A laser light extravaganza set against the backdrop of the dam itself, it tells the story of how the dam was built and what power it provides to the region. All this is free, so it makes for a great family vacation. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show.9. Soap Lake, Soap Lake, WA: On your way back from the Grand Coulee Dam is Soap Lake. The black silt is said to have healing powers. My grandmother, who had rheumatoid arthritis, swore by it, and often brought us with her to cover our bodies in the inky mud. Soap Lake is one of only 11 meromictic lakes in the United States. 10. Columbia River Gorge, Vantage, WA: The Columbia River crossing at Vantage rivals the Grand Canyon in its spender. The actual Gorge stretches eighty miles, the landscape ranging from lush forests to the dry grasslands of eastern Washington. With high, jutting cliffs, the Gorge is a sight you have to see.

Kristine Cayne’s Top Ten Favorite Northwest Spots:Thank you for having the Rainy Day Writers on your blog today! We’re so excited to have the Romance in the Rain available for readers. And this is a great chance for readers to get to know us a little better. Let me start by saying that although I’ve lived in the Seattle area quite a few years, I’m not from here. I don’t get out a lot and as a result, my list is quite different from Charlotte’s and Sherri’s.1. Pike Place Market – the quintessential NW spot. It’s also the location of the Ivy’s restaurant in What’s Wrong With Mr. Perfect? By Sherri Shaw. It’s a great little market on a hill just above the Puget Sound. The view and the atmosphere are spectacular. 2. Space Needle – another quintessential NW spot. There is a restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. It’s expensive, but well worth the experience if you can afford it. I took my husband and father there for Father’s Day several years ago. It was a perfect clear day, and we could see all the way to Vancouver Canada! If you’re not into eating in a revolving restaurant, you can go to the rooftop lookout. It’s really windy, but free.3. Seattle Center – this is the area surrounding the Space Needle. It contains the Children’s Museum, an amusement park and this great musical water fountain (the International Fountain). We spent many days their when my children were younger letting them brave the mighty waters.4. Greenlake – this is a beautiful park and lake in Seattle itself. You can walk all the way around it, bike or rollerblade. Yes. I did that. But I won’t be sharing any photos. Helmet hair. *shudders*5. CenturyLink stadium – this is the new stadium that was built to house the Seattle Sounders. It’s right downtown, and actually about a mile from where Jamie in Aftershocks works. I had the pleasure of attending a Sounders game there a few weeks ago, and watched the sunset over the Puget Sound from my (very elevated) seat. 6. Kirkland waterfront – another favorite spot to go with the kids. It’s a small park amid Kirkland’s little downtown area with quaint restaurants and shops. Oh and ice cream stores too. You know, for those blistering hot Seattle days… O..o7. Snohomish – antique store district – I discovered this little gem of a place when I had to take my son there for a soccer game. With over 100 antique stores in a 1-2 block radius, it’s not hard to find that special treasure you always wanted. We also discovered a great Italian restaurant and a pie store. Mmmm... maybe I need to go for another visit.8. Leavenworth – always wanted to see a German village set in the Alps? Look no further. Okay, it’s the Cascade mountains not the Alps, but the rest is pretty spot on. This is a great place to visit, especially in the fall or at Christmas time. 9. Snoqualmie Falls – while not as majestic as Niagra Falls or the falls at Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre (in Quebec), the Snoqualmie Falls are nevertheless very impressive. By taking a short path through the woods, you can walk right up to the river, and seeing all of this roaring water in a mountain setting is very special.10. Victoria, BC – what can I say about this great town? It’s a little piece of England in the most western part of Canada. With lots of shops, restaurants, and street entertainers, it’s fun for the whole family. The Butchart Gardens and the vast Pacific Ocean are a sight to behold.

Thank you, Charlotte, Sherri, and Kristine! Normally, a blog post will make me add more books to my wishlist or TBR pile. This one makes me want to add travel destinations to visit when I have the time to travel.

Don't stop reading yet! Romantic Maidens Book Tours and the Rainy Day Writers are also sponsoring a giveaway during the tour. What's up for grabs? Check it out:

All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.Giveaway for US residents only.

Blurb:From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell-By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him.Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who’s already taken the life of Charlie’s best friend.Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her—and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect?Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for.Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He’s defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good? GoodReadsNookBook | All Romance E-Books | Smashwords | Kobo | Kindle | Kindle UK

I'm a writer, aspiring to that higher plane of becoming a published author. I love books in all their forms, be it electronic or print (though obviously, there is nothing like the texture of a book in my hands!). I want to share that love and meet others who feel the same.

What an awesome and amazing giveaway! I see some new authors! Woot! Deadly Obsession is one ive been wanting to read for awhile. Sounds so good! Really looking forward to reading everyones books. Thank you so much!! And thank you for your generosity! Best wishes and many blessings to you all!

First off I will say thanks for the awesome giveaway! Second I want to read them all so much, but would probably start with Deadly Obsession. I also have to say this is truly an awesome giveaway!! I'm crossing my fingers hoping I'll win, it would be so exciting to win a book giveaway!

Wow! Thank you everyone for all the amazing compliments on my previous books as well as the anthology and giveaways. ROMANCE IN THE RAIN waa a lot of fun to work on with the Rainy Day Writers. I hope you'll all enjoy "Aftershocks." the prequel to my new firefighter romance series. The first book comes out in December. Stay tuned!

Wow! Thank you all for the amazing compliments on my previous books and on the anthology. ROMANCE IN THE RAIN was a lot of fun to work on with the Rainy Day Writers. They are such an amazing group of women. I hope you'll enjoy my novella "Aftershocks," which is the prequel to my new firefighter romance series. The first book is coming out in December. Stay tuned!